1642 – 1820
European explorers ventured into Oceania, mapping vast regions of the Pacific. Pioneers like Abel Tasman, James Cook, and others charted islands and coastlines, encountering and documenting the diverse cultures of indigenous peoples, including Māori, Aboriginal Australians, and Pacific Islanders. These explorations led to increased scientific knowledge and the expansion of trade routes, but also marked the beginning of significant changes and challenges for indigenous populations, including colonization and cultural disruption.
Picture books
Cook’s Cook: The Cook Who Cooked for Captain Cook
Story of Cook’s journey through the eyes of his cook, with recipes
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Dreamtime: Aboriginal Stories
Collection of Aboriginal stories, from the Dreamtime myths and the author’s childhood
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Sailing the Unknown: Around the World with Captain Cook
Accessible fictional journal from the perspective of a boy on Cook’s journey
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Welcome To Country: A Traditional Aboriginal Ceremony
Gorgeous picture book about an Aboriginal ceremony
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William Bligh: A Stormy Story of Tempestuous Times
Story of a British colonial administrator in Australia
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Chapter books
Non-fiction books
You Wouldn’t Want to Travel With Captain Cook!: A Voyage You’d Rather Not Make
Cheeky introduction to life on Cook’s voyage
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